Living by God's Grace

Recently I came across an article that focused on "voluntary assisted dying" that seemed to be a propaganda piece that praised those who pursue dying on their "own terms" as having immense courage.  I do not believe suicide--whether medically assisted or not--is in itself a badge of courage.  Greater courage can be shown in choosing to live despite pain and a terminal diagnosis--looking to the LORD who gave us life in the first place.

One thing that is often missing when the "taboo" subject of assisted suicide is reported on is any acknowledgement or mention of God.  It is ironic (but not surprising!) God who knit us together in our mother's wombs would be left out of the conversation by those who embrace a humanistic or even a nihilistic perspective.  It wasn't long ago I was given paperwork by my doctor to write down my end of life plan, whether I wanted to be fed by others if I was unable to feed myself, or if I would refuse to be given any nutrition if I experience advanced dementia.  Undoubtedly these are uncomfortable topics to dwell on, and I did not view one option as more "courageous" than another.

Courage is defined as, "Bravery; intrepidity; that quality of mind which enables men to encounter danger and difficulties with firmness, or without fear or depression of spirits; valor; boldness; resolution."  Jesus demonstrated immense courage when He went up to Jerusalem knowing He would be betrayed, arrested and crucified when He was innocent of wrongdoing, young and in good health.  My dad showed courage in being subjected to cancer treatments and facing a terminal prognosis without depression or feeling sorry for himself.  He suffered great discomfort and anguish, and was never far from tears.  But as he looked to Jesus in faith, he continued his course gladly until God took him home.  My mum and family also demonstrated courage in caring for Dad faithfully, knowing his time on earth would come to an end in God's time.

In no way do I want to cheapen or dismiss the pain and difficulties that have led people to choose to die on their own terms.  Speaking for myself, however, it does not require any courage for me to live or die on my own terms.  Me living on my own terms is actually one of bondage to selfishness, fear, anxiety, cares and worries.  It is by faith in the living God in whom courage is found we can face a difficult day without fear, to be brave despite weakness and limitations, and to obey God rather than following our own hearts.  God is gracious to allow us to reach our limit, discover He is gracious and merciful, and to learn to trust Him with peace in our hearts and praise on our lips despite pains.  Knowing God gives and takes away, it is right to commit the length of our days to God who has wisely numbered them.

The suffering, sorrow and pain of this life will soon be over--even if it feels like it will never end.  Those who trust in Jesus Christ are assured of eternal life in His presence where there is no illness, pain, tears, sorrow of death.  God gives His people assurance of His kindness today and always as is written in Isaiah 54:10:  "For the mountains shall depart and the hills be removed, but My kindness shall not depart from you, nor shall My covenant of peace be removed," says the LORD, who has mercy on you."  Death is not our friend, advocate or refuge:  God is!  There is no illness God cannot cure, and no condition greater than His love and power to save.  Psalm 27:14 says, "Wait on the LORD; be of good courage, and He shall strengthen your heart; wait, I say, on the LORD!"  Better than waiting to die, we are to wait on the gracious LORD who strengthens us.